Israeli Military in Syria & the Gaza Strip

A child uses his mobile device in the ruins of a building in Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip on May 26th 2021. © Mohamed Zaanoun

Belligerent
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1163

Incident date

July 5, 2017

Location

حرير حاتم, Hareer Hatem, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

35.837177, 40.878122 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to eight civilians, including women and children, were reportedly killed following alleged Coalition airstrikes which struck a house in the village of Hareer Hatem, north of Markada in the Al Hasaka governorate, according to local sources.

A single source – Jisr TV – said the morning strike had injured three children.

All sources blamed the US-led Coalition, with many reporting that an unspecified number of children died in the event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Hareer Hatem, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV696674
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 5th-6th the Coalition reported that “Near Al Shadaddi, two strikes destroyed five ISIS-held buildings, a command and control node and a VBIED facility.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS280

Incident date

December 15, 2015

Location

معارة النعسان, Ma'arat Al Nu'ssan, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.0353463, 36.8360242 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 16 and 34 civilians were killed and more than 100 injured in airstrikes on a fuel market in Ma’arat Al Nu’ssan, according to multiple sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime.

The Shaam News Network reported that Russian warplanes launched cluster bombs on the fuel market in three airstrikes, leading to the death of at least 30 non-combatants, most of whom were burnt in massive fires.

Activists told SNN that the warplanes targeted the middle of the market at a time when it was full of fuel dealers.

The network went on to note that “the fuel market in the town of Ma’arat al Nu’ssan is the largest commercial markets in the region, and it is a collection point for diesel coming from IS areas to the liberated areas and has been bombed previously by Assad causing significant massacres.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll lower, at 16, but added that it was likely to rise due to dozens being in critical condition and many people missing. They later put the death toll at at least 34. SN4HR said that the attack was carried out by Warplanes believed to be Russian.

The White Helmets posted a number of images of its members attending the scene and attempting to put out a fire. They stated that “warplanes” carried out the attacks but did not say who they belonged to. The death toll had risen to 20 with more than 100 wounded, they added.

But according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least six” civilians were killed when regime missiles fired on the village.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 34
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Firefighters attend the aftermath of airstrikes on Ma'arat Al Nu'ssan, December 15th (via White Helmets)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The White Helmets rescue a body in the aftermath of the strikes on Ma'arat Al Nu'ssan, December 15th. (via White Helmets)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of a pile of bones left after a civilian casualty was burnt in a diesel market in Ma’arat Al Nu’ssan. (via, SNN)
  • Fires continue to be extinguished in the aftermath of an airstrike which hit a diesel market. (via, SNN)
  • The ground which has been scorched by the fires in Ma’arat Al Nu’ssan. (via, SNN)
  • A distance view of the smoke caused by huge fires in Ma’arat Al Nu’ssan. (via, SNN)
  • Another image of fires being extinguished. (via, SNN),

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

For December 15th-16th 2015, Russia reported that “In the course of the last 24 hours, aircraft of the Russian air group in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 59 combat sorties engaging 212 objects in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Hasakah and Raqqah provinces… Near Maarat an-Numan (Idlib province), a Su-25 attack aircraft destroyed a large ISIS base. In a separate building, there was an ammunition and materiel depot, as well as a command centre of illegal armed groups. Data concerning the coordinates of this object had been received by the Russian Defence Ministry from representatives of the Syrian opposition. After the data had been checked by the Information centre in Baghdad and unmanned aerial vehicles conducted additional reconnaissance of the base, a Su-25 attack aircraft eliminated this facility.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16 – 34
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI809

Incident date

July 12, 2017

Location

القليعات, Al Qaliat, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.346667, 43.133611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that despite the recapturing of Mosul by the US-backed Iraqi army, Coalition airstrikes continued to target ISIL positions in Al Qaliat on the outskirts of the city.

Ninawa Media Center reported that there were ‘many’ wounded civilians, including women and children, in the area. However, it was not clear airstrikes caused this.

Only one source alleged that the Coalition was responsible for the strikes.

No further details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Qaliat (القليعات) in Old Mosul, for which the coordinates are: 36.346667, 43.133611.

  • Old City of Mosul (موصل القديمة)

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF325240
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed 18 fighting positions, seven medium machine guns, and two rocket-propelled grenade systems; and damaged 12 fighting positions” It additionally reported that “On July 11, near Mosul, Iraq, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed four medium machine guns and a rocket-propelled grenade system.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS293

Incident date

December 20, 2015

Location

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between five and 11 civilians were reported killed including two children in three airstrikes on Al Bab, according to multiple reports. Shahba Press claimed that “Russian warplanes launched three air strikes on al Bab City, which resulted in the deaths of five people, including two children, in addition to a large number of injuries and widespread destruction in the public property and homes of citizens.”

The Daesh-linked agency Al A’maq later raised the civilian death toll to 11 citing a medical source, but did not say whether the Assad regime or Russia was responsible. Syria 2011 named four victims who it said were “killed by Russian air raids on the city of Al Bab today.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Abdul Ghani Ali Kirmani
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Ahmed Kirmani
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Zakaria Marwan Hamadeh
Age unknown killed
Mohamed Ahmed Sidamr
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • News bulletin reporting on the incident. (via, Al Jisr Satellite)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Bab (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.371972, 37.51631. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Unknown

No Russian reports were published for December 16th-18th 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1216 RS2346

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Location

الكشكية, Al Kashkiya, school building, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.8225805, 40.6799993 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Seven civilians were killed – including five civilians believed to be from one family – and a number of others were injured in airstrikes on the village of Al Kashkiya in eastern Deir Ezzor.  However it was contested as to who was responsible.

Four sources – Radio al Kul, Micro News, Smart News Agency and Syrian Network for Human Rights – alleged that the Coalition was responsible meanwhile @Syria7ra blamed Russia and Al Jazeera alleged that the Syrian government was responsible. Five sources did not make any claims as to who was to blame.

A number of sources reported that the strikes took place near the village’s middle school and a number of images were shared which showed the level of destruction.

Other sources reported that the family home was deliberately “targeted”  by warplanes.

With regards to civilian casualties, some sources were able to identify some of the victims however they conflicted in their accounts.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (9)

Khalaf al Kalashat
Adult male named by Euphrates Post killed
Wife of Khalaf al Kalashat
Adult female named by Euphrates Post killed
Child of Khalaf al Kalashat 1
Child named by Euphrates Post killed
Child of Khalaf al Kalashat 2
named by Euphrates Post killed
Child of Khalaf al Kalashat 3
Child named by Euphrates Post killed
Khalaf al Shihada
Adult female named by @Syria7ra, mother of Khalaf killed
Sister in law of Khalaf al Kalashat
Adult female named by @Syria7ra killed
Shihade Mekhlef al-Kalshat
Adult male named by VDC killed
A male relative
Adult male named by VDC killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Unknown

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Deir Ezzor is being exterminated)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Deir Ezzor is being exterminated)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Deir Ezzor is being exterminated)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Deir Ezzor is being exterminated)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via @syria7ra)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via @syria7ra)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via @syria7ra)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via @syria7ra)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Kashkiya, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU364465
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 17th-18th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes destroyed 12 ISIS oil refinement stills, four well-heads, and two oil storage tanks.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Unknown

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS542

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Location

حي طريق الباب, Tareeq al-Bab (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.207438, 37.1990204 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to eight civilians were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the the Al Bab road neighbourhood, according to multiple reports by Shaam News Network and additional local sources.

Akhbar El Thawra El Souriya reported 25 “civilian martyrs” weres killed by Russian warplanes in several neighborhoods of Aleppo, including Tareeq al-Bab.

Al Nateq Press reported 16 civilians were killed, including a woman and child in Russian aerial bombardment in several areas inside Aleppo: Al Mashad, Al Ferdous, Tareeq al-Bab, El Sha’aar and El Kallassesh.

The Syrian Press Center counted a single “martyr” in Tareeq al-Bab but 11 victims in the Al Mashad and Al Ferdous neighborhoods of Aleppo.

Shahba Press put the civilian death toll from Russian bombing in seven parts of Aleppo, including Tareeq al-Bab, at 20.

Step News Agency reported a death toll of 8 in Tareeq al-Bab district alone.

Three victims of “Russian air force shelling” (including one child) were named by the Violations Documentation Center.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian strike on the Al Bab neighbourhood, Aleppo, Feb 4th (via SNN)
  • Images of the incident by Shaam News Network

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

From February 4th – February 11th, Russia reported: “In the course of the last week, February 4-11, aircraft of the Russian aviation group in the Syrian Arab Republic have performed 510 combat sorties engaging 1,888 terrorists’ objects in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, Daraa, Homs, Hasakah and Raqqah.“ It added: “Two powerful field commanders were liquidated in the Aleppo province.In the suburbs of Kalaz-Tahtani, a large illegal armed group with its commander, “Abu Maher” (“Farid Al-Misri”) was eliminated by an airstrike.The field commander “Abu Anas Al-Sham” from the Jaysh al-Sham terrorist group was liquidated in the territory of the same province.” It also said that “Russian aviation eliminated open ISIS oil storages in the Aleppo province.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS327

Incident date

December 28, 2015

Location

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.5655244, 38.2873535 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three to four civilians including one child were killed and dozens injured in airstrikes on Palmyra, according to multiple sources.

The Shaam News Network reported that it was the second day in a row that Russian  warplanes killed non-combatants in the city and said that three had died in bombing raids carried out by “tens of Russian aircraft over the city.”

They noted that the raids focused on the vital centres of Palmyra – the main electricity directorate, Heer Palacen and the salt factories in the industrial area as well as the archaeological area – and that dozens were wounded in addition to those that died.

According to the Network the raids also caused massive destruction in residential areas as the planes were using highly explosive rockets.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 40 Russian airstrikes targeting the town of Mahin – the electricity management area, Qasr al-Her school, Tadmur city and al-Sena’ia area, killing four civilians, including a child.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Musaab Ali Batman al-Assad al-Nazar
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

For December 25th-28th, Russia has reported that “In the course of three days, since December 25, the Russian aviation group has performed 164 combat sorties engaging 556 terrorists’ objects located in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Homs, Damascus, Deir ez-Zor and Raqqah provinces.”

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1282

Incident date

July 27, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 48 civilians died and 40 were injured in alleged air and artillery strikes by the Coalition and the SDF in Raqqa, according to local media. However, sources did not specify the locations for these deaths and these are therefore general numbers.

Additionally, one source Watan reported that there had been Russian actions in Raqqa. It said: “The US-led International Air Force aircraft and the Russian air force carried out two horrific massacres in the city of al-Raqqa, ISIS’s stronghold in Syria. Both sides killed dozens of civilians and injured others.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    48
  • Civilians reported injured
    40
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 27th-28th: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a supply cache, an ISIS communication headquarters, and an anti-air artillery system.” It additionally reported that “On July 27, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units, destroyed an ISIS sniper position and an observation post, and suppressed four fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Thursday 27 July – a Tornado and Typhoon pair attacked mortar and sniper positions in Raqqa…The following day [July 27th], a mixed pair of a Tornado and a Typhoon, based at RAF Akrotiri and supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, flew overwatch for Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) advancing inside Raqqa. The SDF came under mortar fire from a terrorist position, but a Paveway IV attack removed this threat. Another Paveway IV similarly dealt with a sniper position which was encountered by the SDF two hours later.

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    48
  • Civilians reported injured
    40
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]